CEO Blog

Since its inception in February 2021, the UNITE initiative at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been working to identify and address structural racism within the NIH-supported and the greater scientific community, and to establish an equitable and civil culture within the biomedical research enterprise and reduce barriers to racial equity in the biomedical research workforce.

As part of this work, the initiative has been conducting a series of public online sessions to present the latest data and ideas on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the biomedical workforce and in research, and featuring leaders from the NIH community as well as other experts from the biomedical research community.

Read more: Diversity-Focused UNITE Initiative Welcomes Stakeholders to Online Events

As busy researchers, clinicians, and educators, the time you have available for other professional endeavors is limited. Yet so many GSA members make the time to be fully engaged with their Society, strengthening the field daily.

So during this Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating YOU as GSA could not move forward without the volunteer commitments of its members. GSA President Peter Lichtenberg says it best in a new video he’s recorded especially for this occasion.

Read more: A Tribute to Those Who Volunteer Their Time to GSA

GSA’s Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) 2022 is taking place from April 17 to 23. The Society, along with partner organizations, needs your help to raise awareness about the wide-ranging career opportunities in the field of aging.

Check out GSA’s CIAW Week Toolkit for resources on how to get involved and spread the word. CIAW is observed every year by businesses, clinics, coalitions, organizations, universities, colleges, and other parties across the world.

Read more: Careers in Aging Week Starts April 17; Join Us in Raising Awareness!

Researchers have until April 15 to apply for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Butler-Williams Scholars Program, and if you’re eligible, I encourage you to apply for this training program taking place virtually this summer! Or if you’re a mentor to someone who qualifies, please share this opportunity. As GSA has long provided a home for junior scholars through our Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization, we proudly welcome Butler-Williams participants into the fold.

Read more: NIA Summer Program Will Kickstart Your Aging Career

GSA’s vice president of policy and professional affairs, Patricia “Trish” D’Antonio, was part of a select panel of experts convened recently by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to discuss increasing routine vaccinations. Among her many responsibilities, Trish serves as co-chair of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), which works to strengthen and enhance access to and increase utilization of vaccines among adults. Participation in coalitions like AVAC is one of many ways that GSA is able to amplify its advocacy efforts.

Read more: GSA Finds New Vaccine Champions at Top Federal Level

GSA invites you to join with us and many others nationwide as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. It was on March 22, 1972, that President Richard Nixon signed into law the measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for older adults aged 60 and above.

This legislation has helped to fund community-based programs — like Meals on Wheels — and has been responsible for the only federal program designed specifically to meet both the nutritional and social needs of older adults. Thank you to all of our members who have contributed to the success of this important work.

Read more: After 50 Years, Nutrition Program Continues Vital Mission

As part of Women’s History Month, we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. This year, the Smithsonian is recognizing women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers by displaying 120 life-size orange statues of female scientists around the National Mall here in Washington, DC.

I’ve seen this impressive outdoor exhibit several times and it made me think of the enormous contributions of women scholars in the field of gerontology. According to our latest demographic information, women comprise 71 percent of GSA’s membership, meaning so much of what our Society accomplishes can be attributed to their vision and leadership.

Read more: In Recognition of GSA’s Women Scholars

Like all members of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), we’ve watched in disbelief as the man-made disaster of the invasion of Ukraine has unfolded.

GSA stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the people of surrounding nations, and the global community in condemning the military invasion of Ukraine and calling for an immediate end to hostilities.

Read more: Standing in Solidarity with Ukraine

GSA is serving as a champion organization for Obesity Care Week (OCW) 2022, taking place from February 27 to March 5.

Obesity is a disease that continues to be stigmatized and many of those impacted struggle to receive any care, let alone adequate and appropriate care. OCW provides an opportunity to stimulate change. You can sign up for OCW alerts to receive the latest news, information, and resources that will be rolled out this week, and to take action in support of this important issue.

Read more: Obesity Care Week 2022 is Here!

GSA President Peter Lichtenberg has a new video message about The GSA 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting experience. Watch to learn more about what’s in store for Indianapolis, Indiana, this November 2 through 6!

He reminds us of the March 3 abstract submission deadline and highlights the 2022 meeting theme, “Embracing Our Diversity. Enriching Our Discovery. Reimagining Aging.”

There’s a lot to be excited about as the GSA family convenes in November for our first in-person GSA meeting in three years. This is the first time it will be hosted in Indianapolis so allow me to showcase some interesting reports on what one Forbes article called “America’s most underrated city”:

Read more: Indianapolis Isn’t Just About Racing